Remember that the above lump sums are in effect being paid for you do the contract you signed up to in the first place. This time yesterday I was planning to stay in until 16/38. Today my plans haven't changed but I've been offered a wad of cash just to make sure.
Additionally, Spec Aircrew is changing to "PA" which I think stands for "Professional Aircrew". They will lose the additional pay of flying pay but their basic pay will then be bumped up to the original level which has implications in terms of increased pensions etc. . .I also got the impression that it was moving more towards the way the FAA do business in terms either of being an aviator full stop of taking the career path to senior rank glory. I'm not sure if the signing terms for Spec Aircrew, or PA, have changed but, frankly, if it gets me out of crap courses and secondary duties then I'll sign up tomorrow.